Pro Grip
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11434
Printed Date: 14 Jul 25 at 3:58am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pro Grip
Posted By: hobbiteater
Subject: Pro Grip
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 8:43am
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I've seen quite a few adverts for boats with lines similar to this Boat was pro gripped by SHOCK sailing. My question is why is it important to have sticky backed foam rubber applied by "the professionals" - what am i missing? It seems to me it is like selling a car and saying "windscreen wash bottle refilled by Mercedes F1 mechanic" What strange and wondrous technique do they apply?
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Replies:
Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 9:03am
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Hi Hobbit
the self adhesive stuff does not stay put and is fine for small protective bits under blocks, end of booms etc. The sheet stuff is better on floors and edge of trapeze boats applied using contact adhesive and doing it on your own can be a sticky mess especially with large awkward shape pieces. Best done with a bit of help or if you are short of time get a pro to do it so you can race at weekend rather than DIY on the boat. Hope that answers your question. Cheers Gordon ------------- Gordon Lossc |
Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 9:25am
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You can make a decent job yourself of applying progrip to tubular wings and things like Gordon said using the self adhesive stuff, just warm it slightly and the wrap the whole thing tightly in cling film for a day or so.
Big area's of deck can look a real mess real quickly if not done well. ------------- Musto Skiff and Solo sailor |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 9:41am
| Its probably more akin to "boat professionally spray painted". When I've done large areas of pro grip myself, in spite of best efforts, its been rather prone to peeling corners and the like. |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 9:47am
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Professionally applied progrip means that there is a good deal of preparation, especially if old pro grip needs removing first. Having thrown away a set of 600 wings after spending far too long trying to remove it, I can assure you it's neither a satisfying, nor easy job. There will be no bubbles in the sheet once it's laid or glue deposits where you don't expect them. A professional would also round off corners and chamfer edges with a stanley knife. Alternatively you can do all of that yourself if you have the time and a quick google for Nora Lunasoft from Algeos should yield a cheaper source of material than your average seaside swindelery. As above, avoid the self-adhesive stuff- it doesn't stick. ------------- |
Posted By: Er-Indoors
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 10:54am
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If you want to do small bits on the cheap or say, adding to the sides of blocks/ends of booms/ kickbars then hobby Funky Foam is a good cheap alternative and comes in many colours and patterns. It's thinner and can be glued into tighter curves etc as well. Of course, it doesn't last as long but we've used it as a cheap fix, even on one of winging it's old contenders....
------------- Lightning 418 "Octarine" |
Posted By: solutiongirl
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 1:11pm
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Given that I can't even gift-wrap a square box without it looking like I've pulled it out of the litter bin, I wouldn't dream of attempting something as long-term as pro-gripping (or painting) a boat. I have seen boat that have been done by others with my (lack of) skill of hand and in those cases, a professional fit would have made the boat more attractive.
Perhaps its more akin to having carpet or floor covering fitted professionally. Sure some people can DIY quite happily but others would prefer to get a grown-up to do it for them... |
Posted By: hobbiteater
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 1:12pm
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bloody hell, sensible responses, thanks guys now should progrip change the PY?
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Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 1:13pm
only if you put it on the bottom of the hull  ------------- Musto Skiff and Solo sailor |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 16 Apr 14 at 3:08pm
only on the RS Aero.... next question? ------------- |
Posted By: Little Monster
Date Posted: 17 Apr 14 at 12:37pm
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Hi
If you're going to try it yourself get the area really clean and ideally rough the surface (not ideal for a new shiny boat..) mask around the area and use a spray contact adhesive on the boat and warm progrip. Build the glue up in thin layers and don't worry about getting the glue everywhere as it easily comes off with white spirit... If you have an odd shape to fit (including 3D curves) get some flexible clear plastic / bags etc that you can lay tight to the deck so you can see and mark the area needed. Cut around the shape, lay it on the progrip and cut around it to get the shape. Round as many corners as possible and if possible chamfer the edge. When I did my side decks I put electrical tape along the first edge to be stuck as a guide. Try and leave an overhang on the last edge to be glued so that you can leave some excess and trim it after you have glued it. The best place is under the gunnel if you have an overhang. Best advice is to take care, approach with planning and take your time. Oh, and make sure you glue the right side of the progrip... My side decks have lasted two years so far. Good luck ------------- Phantom "Little Monster" 1404 |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 17 Apr 14 at 6:38pm
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Although it might not be quite enough to change the py, pro gripping the cockpit and aft deck makes a huge difference in the contender. Previously the only option was nasty rough stuff, falling over, or risk breaking your ankles in foot loops. ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: iitick
Date Posted: 17 Apr 14 at 8:35pm
| This changing PY's because of boat modifications gives me an idea. At our club, and many other clubs I believe, the demographic is getting older. With age comes an increasing level of infirmity and inefficiency. Many of us have enlisted the support of the medical profession in order to delay this decline. Personally I have little braided hoses embedded in my chest to keep the old blood flowing. One of my friends has a carbon hip and another a titanium knee. In many sailors this artificial assistance shows a marked increase in performance. Perhaps we should alter personal handicaps to compensate for this external (well internal really) assistance? |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 17 Apr 14 at 9:01pm
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I've heard of a bloke who's got replacement legs, he must be able to hike like a nutter- no perching for sure. He can run so fast he can actually evade justice... 'pparently milady.
------------- |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 17 Apr 14 at 11:46pm
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Oh dear, I have a titanium plate in my hand, plus I'm getting my knee done in two weeks time. ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: iitick
Date Posted: 18 Apr 14 at 7:59am
Have you reported these modifications to the RYA physical enhancement committee?
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Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 18 Apr 14 at 8:39am
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Yes! ------------- the same, but different... |